Portugal's football federation president, Pedro Proença, has boldly declared the nation's ambition to win the 2026 World Cup. A victory against Hungary in their upcoming match is seen as a crucial step toward securing qualification and building momentum for their ultimate goal.
"Our goal is to be in the United States, and we have a great desire to win and be world champions," Proença stated in Budapest, emphasizing the team's commitment and ambition. He highlighted the strength of the current generation of players and the robust structure of the federation as key factors in their pursuit of success.
Following a dominant 5-0 victory over Armenia, Portugal faces Hungary in the second round of Group F. Another win would solidify their position at the top of the group and significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
"The national team is doing very well. The match in Armenia went very well. There's a spirit of great commitment from the entire team, and we're confident that today, by beating Hungary, we're taking a fundamental step toward our goals," Proença added, expressing his confidence in the team's ability to deliver.
In a gesture of goodwill, Proença, along with other FPF officials, coach Roberto Martínez, and members of his staff, welcomed fans from around the world to the team's hotel in Budapest, fostering a closer connection between the team and its supporters.
"This is a change from the new FPF leadership in its relationship with fans. It's an opening, a thank you, and an acknowledgment of what these fans do to follow the team everywhere. We want to make this relationship a normal one," he explained.
The highly anticipated Hungary-Portugal match is scheduled for 8:45 PM (7:45 PM Lisbon time) at the Puskas Arena and will be officiated by Belgian referee Erik Lambrechts. All eyes will be on Portugal as they strive to take another step closer to their World Cup dream.
Key Match Details:
- Teams: Hungary vs. Portugal
- Time: 8:45 PM (CET) / 7:45 PM (Lisbon)
- Location: Puskas Arena, Budapest
- Referee: Erik Lambrechts (Belgium)